Friction science teaching resources

Worksheets and lesson ideas to challenge students aged 11 to 16 to think hard about friction (GCSE and Key Stage 3)

This demonstration below is a great way to introduce the concept of friction and surface area. Friction is the force that opposes motion between any surfaces that are in contact. There are different types of friction and you can read more about them here.

Investigating friction

Imagine a world without friction

Asking students to write about a wold without friction can be quite a fun and imaginative exercise to motivate students to think about friction in the context of every day life. It will expose lots of misconceptions that can be rectified in re-teach. Structure this task so that you produce better outcomes e.g. get students to think of the advantages and disadvantages of a friction free world – it’s not just about falling over!